Can green tea help you lose weight? Absolutely. Does having it in the form of ice cream or noodles count? Not quite. If you want to reap the maximum weight-loss benefits of epigallocatechin gallate, a.k.a. EGCG, a health-boosting antioxidant that’s found in green tea, you might want to consume this herbal drink the right way. Yep, believe it or not, there’s actually a right and wrong way to drink green tea. From “Does the brand matter?” to “Does it expire?” here are seven of your most common questions regarding green tea answered.
Do you get the same benefits with flavored green teas?
Yes, but if the flavoring contains added sugar or artificial sweeteners, it can wreak havoc on you and your waistline, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Opt for plain green tea whenever you can.
What about iced green tea?
The benefits are still there, but iced teas are often watered down, minimizing the effectiveness of the green tea.
Does the brand of green tea matter?
Yes, the difference lies in the quality of tea leaves and the amount of additional, unnecessary ingredients. When purchasing green tea, choose brands that use all natural ingredients and contain zero artificial preservatives, such as Celestial Seasonings, Traditional Medicinals or Yogi.
Can green tea go bad?
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Technically, green tea doesn’t expire, but over time, it can definitely lose its flavor. If stored properly, loose tea and tea bags tend to hold their antioxidant potency for up to six months. When storing green tea, avoid light, air, heat, odors and moisture.
What’s the best way to brew a cup of green tea?
The best way to consume green tea is in the form of fresh leaves. Why? Because when you pour hot water directly over the leaves, you maximize their potency. If all you have is bagged tea, then youe best bet is to cut open the bag and pour water directly over the contents. As for the brewing bit itself, pour the water over the tea right before it starts to boil and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes.
How much green tea should I have every day?
Scientists recommend three to five cups of green tea daily. If that sounds overwhelming right now, start off with one or two cups and gradually work your way up to four or five.
Is green tea extract just as effective?
Yes. Depending on how concentrated the green tea extract’s formula is, 1 ml can equal the benefits of 8-10 cups of green tea.
